Nizina & Chitina Rivers

SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS is excited to offer our newest raft trip down the Nizina and Chitina Rivers. For a total Alaska experience combine this fabulous float with a Copper River Adventure. Both trips begin in Valdez, Alaska

The Nizina & Chitina Rivers
This remote wilderness river is born at the base of the Nizina Glacier in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. The largest in the U.S. (six times larger than Yellowstone), it is the home of six of the tallest mountain peaks in North America. The Nizina River scenery includes gorgeous limestone cliffs, giant cascading waterfalls, and a 10 mile whitewater stretch through the spectacular Nizina Canyon. Hike in the Chitistone Valley, winter home of the Ahtna Indians who ran these rivers long ago in skin "Baidaras." Area wildlife includes black and brown bear, Dall sheep, mountain bison, wolves, moose, eagles, and even wolverines. Forty-five miles of river travel on the Nizina will bring us to the Chitina, which is the largest tributary of the Copper River. The name of the river is derived from "Chittyna," in ahtna "chitty" means copper and "na" means water.

The Trip
Our trip begins when you reach the beautiful Alaska town of Valdez. There you may explore the area, or hike along the nearby Shoup Trail. The group will gather for an evening information meeting, then you will adjourn to your B&B to prepare for your trip. The morning starts with a half day scenic drive to historic McCarthy, Alaska. Spend the next day and a half exploring this unique Alaska town and the nearby Kennicott Copper Mines, financed by JP Morgan and mined for over 4 million tons of copper oar before closing in 1938. McCarthy accommodations are included in the trip price. The river is accessible only by air and after a short morning scenic flight with McCarthy Air you will arrive at the Nizina Glacier where you will camp on the first evening. Your crew will have the rafts rigged and ready to explore beautiful Nizina Lake. In the morning after a fantastic hot breakfast prepared by the crew we are ready to go! From the headwaters of the Nizina River to its confluence with the Chitina River and on to the Copper , you will spend the remaining days of your trip floating 104 miles of river that takes you through the very heart of the Wrangell Mountains. Peaks rise up a full mile from the valley floor. Our trip concludes five miles downstream on the Copper River at O'Brien Creek, where our van will meet us for the short ride back to Valdez.

Camping on the Nizina/Chitina River
In keeping with the nature of the place, SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provide a participatory experience. We camp daily along the river, on sandy beaches and benches. You will be involved in setting up camp and you have, if you like, the opportunity to help the crew in the preparation of meals.

Group Size
Our group size is limited by the National Park Service to 15 members, including guides and guests.

Experience, Age, Fitness
This trip is suitable for individuals of varying levels of experience. The minimum age for participation is 14 years old and there is no upper limit. You should be in reasonable physical condition and those with serious health concerns should be aware that this trip is conducted in true wilderness. First time campers are welcome and will acquire skills in outdoor living with the help of our very experienced guides.

Weather
The Nizina/Chitina Rivers are located in an Alaska weather transition zone, which means that the weather at the beginning of the trip will often be dry with chances for precipitation increasing as we near the coastal zone near the Gulf of Alaska. You should be prepared for variability. It is often warm and sunny, but it can become windy, cold, and rainy for extended periods of time. Temperatures range from the 40's and 50's (Fahrenheit) at night, to the 60's 70's and 80's in the daytime. It is always cool while we are floating on the river.

Daylight
You will not need to bring a flashlight with you.

Meals & Food
All meals will be provided on the river beginning with lunch on the first day of your trip and ending with lunch at our take-out. We serve a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. We are able to accommodate most all dietary requests and requirements. You will be responsible for your own meals in Valdez and McCarthy.

Equipment Supplied
SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provides each guest with a Coast Guard Approved/Type V Lifejacket, all eating utensils (including plates, bowls, and flatware), an insulated coffee mug with lid, a high quality 4-season tent (double occupancy), a pair of knee-high rubber boots, heavy duty raingear (tops and bottoms), wetsuit, waterproof bags, and storage for breakable items.

Tents
To insure your comfort we are happy to provide you with a high quality four-season tent. We will teach you how to set it up if you have no experience or are unfamiliar with the equipment.

Clothing
Layers are always a good bet. When you sign up for a trip with us, you will receive an information package which will include a detailed list of what you will need to bring with you to be comfortable both on the river and at camp.

Sleepkits
Sundog Expeditions has Rental Sleepkits available. Avoid the hassle of traveling with bulky sleeping gear by renting equipment to use during your trip. Each kit includes a warm high quality sleeping bag, comfortable sleeping pad (paco pad), ground cloth, and pillow. Our sleepkits are thoroughly laundered after each use.
Rentals are $40 per person/trip.

Showers
At a number of camps we will set up a shower tent, so you can enjoy a private and hot shower.

Toilet
In order to maintain the pristine wilderness of the river system we carry out all waste and trash. Each day at camp we set up a private portable toilet system.

Campfires
Campfires are made in firepans to avoid scorching the sand or soil and to allowing us to remove the ash from camp.